<p><span style="color: #000000;">Natera is seeking a Scientist to join our Molecular Biology Research Team, which develops the assays behind the next generation of cancer diagnostics. As a Scientist, you will design and run epigenomics-based research and biomarker discovery studies that help expand Natera’s oncology product portfolio. You will lead your own projects and drive key pieces of larger ones, working closely with bioinformatics and statistics partners to turn experimental results into real progress. This role is a great fit for someone with hands-on NGS experience, a strong molecular biology foundation, and a drive to see their work reach patients.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Primary Responsibilities:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Lead projects and drive substantial components of larger programs to develop and optimize assay workflows, including planning, testing, protocol development, and troubleshooting.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Independently tackle problems of moderate-to-complex scope, recognizing when alternative methods are needed and recommending options with their tradeoffs.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Contribute to study design for assigned projects, bringing hypotheses and proposed next steps.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Own timelines and deliverables for your work, anticipating obstacles and adjusting direction as needed.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Analyze and QC your own experimental data (e.g., R, JMP, Excel) and use the results to guide the next round of experiments.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Partner with the statistics and bioinformatics teams on complex analyses and help define the metrics that matter for your experiments.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Communicate findings clearly to peers and leadership through written reports and meeting presentations.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Document research progress under a Quality Management System.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Qualifications:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a closely related field, with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or M.S. with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience in assay development.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Required Expertise:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Strong foundation in nucleic acid techniques and molecular biology.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Hands-on experience with NGS methods, including sample prep, library prep, target enrichment (e.g., multiplex PCR, hybrid capture), and sequencing.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments and troubleshoot, with evidence of independent thought and creativity in science.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Sound scientific judgment, including the ability to weigh alternative approaches.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Proficiency with analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, R, or Python.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Clear, organized writing for experimental plans, reports, and SOPs, with strong record-keeping habits.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Preferred Skills:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Experience with cell-free DNA or liquid biopsy</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Background in oncology or cancer biomarker research</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows</span></li> <li style="color: #000000 !important;"><span style="color: #000000;">Experience with lab automation or assay development in a regulated environment</span></li> </ul> <p> </p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000000;">Compensation & Total Rewards </span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">This position is al